Despite the universal ambiguity of yesterday’s game, the Monday succeeding all SuperBowls should be a national holiday. I truly think that would be one executive order that people from all walks of life could get behind. And yet, here you are. Either begrudging your morning routine, sitting at work procrastinating, or maybe you declared it a holiday for yourself and you’re avoiding your professional responsibilities today. Regardless, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m not going to take you on a philosophical rollercoaster or make references to obscure, seemingly-unrelated facts just to tie them up like a pretty bow at the end of some profound revelation. Today, I’m going to do my best to elaborate on one of my personal favorite adages that has been both fervent inspiration and S-tier comedy in modern meme culture. Preceding its utterance, I want to first give it meaning. A shape, a size, a vibe.

The yang, or substantial, side of this concept reflects the spirit of perseverance within encumberment. It’s the attitude of a widely unpopular athlete who becomes not discouraged, but even more motivated when the scope of fandom conspires against them. It’s the embodiment of faith, hope, and destiny when there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I’m referring to the whole-hearted belief that there’s a way out of the dark abyss in the hero’s journey. It’s not just a belief, however. It’s the work, the planning, the account for contingency that’s necessary for a purpose within great adversity. It’s the lighting of a match to make your own light in the tunnel. It’s the incarnation of responsibility. It’s submission to destiny, but leaving nothing to chance. This idea is an enduring work horse that won’t stop until the job is done.

The yin, or precarious, side of this concept reflects the spirit of a frat boy who’s discovered the spunk to streak across the field during the halftime show. It’s the personification of desperation without the psychological angst that comes with it. It is unprepared efforts approaching a giant endeavor that simply smirks and utters, “Full send.” This is the headfirst dive into the tunnel when you know there’s no light. This is also the unmitigated energy that Lady Luck favors. I don’t know why, and none of us can know. In order to put on this aura, you can’t know the odds. Like Han Solo, don’t listen to the stats or the dangers and risks or even the pertinent information that’s considered necessary. It’s too late for preparation at this point, and it’s going to be more beneficial for you to tap into a care-free, yet maximum-effort state of being. This idea is a feral mongoose leaping into a snake pit, without the knowledge or care of coming out alive.

The elaborated sides of this coin are necessary, because had I begun with the phrase I wouldn’t be able to ensure you would take this seriously. However I assure you, these articulated thoughts appear in an amalgamation of excitement and motivation in my head every time I think or hear this phrase. Without further ado, I sincerely hope my description can help in some way for you to approach resistance today, because no matter how tired you may be or how much work you have to do or what the odds are against you, just:

“THUG IT OUT”

— A wise hoodlum